Evidence for Prevention of Selected Health Problems
Cognitive Decline
Cognition is your ability to think, reason, and remember. Brain diseases like Alzheimer's disease (a type of dementia) can affect these abilities. Your genes, age, and lifestyle all play a role in your risk for dementia.
Research shows you can lower your risk of dementia by:
- Getting help for vision or hearing loss.
- Keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol at healthy levels and not smoking.
- Getting treatment for depression and staying socially connected.
- Not drinking too much alcohol.
- Staying physically active.
- Eating a healthy diet with vegetables (especially leafy greens), fruits, beans, whole grains, nuts, and lean protein.
Functional Decline
It is never too late to start living more healthily. To keep your body working well, you can:
- Manage any heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, or arthritis you may have.
- Quit smoking.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Stay as physically active as you can. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, plus 2 strength-training sessions and balance exercises.
- Keep strong social connections.
Sarcopenia
Sarcopenia means having low muscle mass and low strength or physical ability. This can lead to frailty, falls, and loss of independence.
Besides aging, being inactive is the main risk factor for sarcopenia. Exercise—both strength training and aerobic activity like brisk walking—can help prevent and treat it.
Good nutrition also matters. Eat enough protein, make sure you get enough vitamin D, and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Avoiding smoking and heavy drinking also helps you keep your muscle.
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
Heart and blood vessel health can weaken with age. The best way to prevent heart disease, stroke, and related conditions is to live a healthy life throughout your years. Never smoking—or quitting if you do—is very important. As with other conditions, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating well can help protect your heart.
You may need medicines to keep your blood pressure and cholesterol at safe levels and to lower your risk of heart disease.
Loneliness
Loneliness and social isolation are common in older age. Research shows they are major risk factors for poor physical and mental health.
Social isolation and loneliness are linked to:
- Disability and less physical activity
- Poorer well-being
- Reduced physical health
- Depression and poor mental sharpness
- Poor health outcomes and nursing home admission
- Higher death rates
Building resilience and strong relationships throughout your life can help reduce loneliness as you get older.
Healthy Aging and Reduction of Illness
A healthy lifestyle leads to a longer life with fewer years of disability—regardless of race or gender.
One study looked at people who followed four healthy habits: not smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation, exercising regularly, and sleeping 6 to 8 hours per night. Those who followed all four habits had a 25 percent risk of disability. Those who followed only one habit had an 85 percent risk.
Last Reviewed and Updated: October 2026
By: AGS/HiAF Public Education Committee, HealthinAging.org Content Reviewers